21st Century Challenge – London under water

Its only a few months since I watched the movie “FLOOD” which was all about what happens when the Thames Barrier fails.  The film is actually mediocre to say the least but some of the graphics were excellent and very realistic.  Who knows, the aristocracy of Chelsea could fly fish from their balconies.

I suppose with all the publicity about global warming we should consider the catastrophic possibility of such an occurence and with that in mind you may want to be aware of a debate being held on June 18th.

Put your questions, fears or worries to a panel of experts chaired by BBCs Evan Davis, to explore the threat of flooding to London’s people & infrastructure. The discussion will delve into how current defence systems will cope with the increased flood risk to London up to the year 2040.

1.25 million Londoners are protected by the Thames Barrier and £80 billion worth of infrastructure would possibly be lost if London was to flood. So,

How prepared is the Square Mile ?

What is the insurance industry doing to handle the risk to capital assets in London ?

Can the Thames Barrier handle rising sea levels and also the more frequent storm surges?

Can urban development actually reduce flood risk?

These and other issues, including addressing the arguments for continuing to develop London on floodplains will be discussed.

Date: June 18, 2008

Chair: Evan Davis (BBC) Panel: Dave Wardle (Environment Agency) and Rowan Douglas (Willis Research Network)

Location: Chartered Accountants Hall, One Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA

London under water ticket information